Illinois is a Midwestern US state best known for its largest city, Chicago — a global hub of architecture, culture, food, and commerce. From the iconic skyline and world-class museums to Lincoln's historic home in Springfield and the rugged beauty of Shawnee National Forest, Illinois offers an incredibly diverse travel experience.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Illinois.
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North Avenue Beach
Chicago's most popular and vibrant beach, stretching over a mile along Lake Michigan in Lincoln Park. Features the iconic Castaways Beach Bar (built to resemble an ocean liner), a sand volleyball complex, bike rentals, and a boathouse. Often feels more like a Caribbean beach resort than the Midwest.
Best for. ['singles', 'groups', 'beach bar scene', 'volleyball', 'cycling']
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Oak Street Beach
The closest beach to the Magnificent Mile, at the foot of Oak Street in the Gold Coast. A small, beautifully landscaped beach with the dramatic Chicago skyline as a backdrop. Very popular with tourists and hotel guests, and a scene for seeing and being seen.
Best for. ['tourists', 'skyline photos', 'hotel guests', 'couples']
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Montrose Beach
One of Chicago's most beloved beaches with a large sandy area, Montrose Harbor (great for watching sailboats), a nearby nature area (Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary — a prime migratory bird spot), and a fantastic lakefront path. Less touristy than North Avenue Beach.
Best for. ['nature lovers', 'bird watching', 'sailing', 'families', 'locals']
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Ohio Street Beach / Olive Park
A smaller, quieter beach in Streeterville near the Museum of Contemporary Art and Navy Pier. Olive Park adjacent to the beach offers lovely lakefront gardens and views of Navy Pier. A peaceful escape from busy downtown.
Best for. ['quiet retreat', 'photography', 'couples', 'picnics']
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Promontory Point
A man-made promontory in Hyde Park with rocky limestone shores, excellent sunset views of the Chicago skyline, and a beloved gathering spot for University of Chicago students and local families. No sandy beach but spectacular views.
Best for. ['skyline photography', 'sunsets', 'picnics', 'Hyde Park exploration']
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Loyola / Rogers Park Beach
A community beach in Chicago's northernmost neighborhood of Rogers Park, fronting Loyola University. Less crowded than downtown beaches, very popular with students, families, and locals. Casual and unpretentious.
Best for. ['locals', 'students', 'quiet beach day', 'north Chicago exploration']
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Illinois Beach State Park
Illinois's largest state park, featuring 6.5 miles of sandy Lake Michigan shoreline — the only remaining dune habitat in Illinois. With sand dunes up to 60 feet high, natural wetlands, and over 650 plant species, it offers a wilderness beach experience just north of Chicago.
Best for. ['nature', 'hiking', 'camping', 'families', 'day trips from Chicago']
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Waukegan Beach
A sandy Lake Michigan beach in Waukegan with a marina, fishing pier, and the Waukegan Harbor area. Popular with north suburban Chicago families, reachable by Metra Union Pacific North Line.
Best for. ['north suburbs', 'fishing', 'families', 'marina views']
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.